Introducing Solo-Strap: The Ultimate Self-Launching & Landing Kite Accessory

One never underestimated aspect of our sport is safety and the value that being surrounded by friends and other kiters is so essential as we often rely on each other to get into or out of the water while we kiteboard. This is actually one of the most endearing aspects of the sport when we compare to other board sports such as surf or snowboarding or skateboarding where you actually don’t really need anybody to go for a ride and is one of the reasons we have such a strong community and interconnected mindset – mostly.

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That said it is not always possible and there are many times when as a more confident and experienced kitesurfer you may want to get out on the water when there is no one else around to help you out. Often this would lead you to frantically phoning all of your friends to see who is around to ride or even worse, explaining to a confused dog walker how to launch and land your kite (not advised ever).

SoloStudio

'Hands Solo' Kite Solo Strap

The other important point is that even when there are two of you one is always last onto the water and first back to the beach. So after helping launch your friend the strap will help launch you, or land your kite if you are first back to the beach for a coconut.

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It’s also a useful accessory to clip around your waist when doing a downwinder as it can be used to either your board in a self rescue or as a tow rope to help out a fellow kiter in need.

To get your Solo Strap click here.

HOW TO SELF-LAUNCH A KITE USING THE SOLO STRAP

Step 1 – Anchor the Solo Strap

ONLY ATTACH TO A SECURE ANCHOR POINT

Find a suitable anchor point that is robust and stable to secure your kite Solo Strap. Loop it around the sand anchor leaving the carabiner free to attach to the chicken loop. Then check that your chicken loop is fastened securely before moving to Step 2.

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Step 2 – Depower your kite lines & connect to the carabiner

MAKE SURE YOUR CARABINER IS SECURELY FASTENED IN ITS LOCKED POSITION

In stronger winds always check your lines are in a depowered position before connecting the carabiner to the chicken loop. This will help maximize the bungees absorption potential against the pull of the kite. Importantly this also minimizes the pull-tension on the object you are using as the beach anchor point. Attach the carabiner to your chicken loop. If you have the ‘Only One’ version of the strap you can also attach the ‘Leia Leash’ to the safety ring on your kite lines.

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Step 3 – Position the kite at the edge of the wind window.

IMAGINE THE BEACH ANCHOR IS NOW YOUR KITE BUDDY ON THE BEACH

Before proceeding always check your lines are correctly connected to the kite, with no crossed lines, and that they are free of any beach debris. Then walk your kite to the edge of the wind window & place it on its side into a launch position. Without letting go of the kite adjust its’ position up/downwind to ensure it is at the most stable, edge of the window position (as if you had just landed it).

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Step 4 – Release the kite but remain on the upwind side next to it for a short while to check it remains stable, safe & secure position

YOUR KITE MIGHT RISE AND FALL A LITTLE OFF THE BEACH IF THE WIND IS VARIABLE

It’s common to see the kite take off a few feet from the beach and then relax back onto the sand in conditions that have variable wind direction or frequent gusts. Remaining upwind of the kite means you are safe against it suddenly shifting position downwind. It also positions you to be able to tap on a depower line and send it back onto the beach if required.

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Step 5 – Walk back to the anchor point & attach your safety leash to the kite lines.

DO NOT DISCONNECT THE SOLO STRAP FROM THE CHICKEN LOOP UNTIL BOTH YOUR SAFETY LEASH & CHICKEN LOOP ARE ATTACHED TO YOUR HARNESS

Step to one side of your anchor point, find the safety leash on your harness and connect it to the safety ring of your kite lines. This ensures your kite is safely tethered to your harness in the event of any prerelease of the kite.

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Step 6 – Once the safety is connected you can lift up your chicken loop and attach that to your harness

KEEP AN EYE ON THE KITE DURING THE PROCESS AS WELL AS OTHERS ON THE BEACH, ESPECIALLY BUGGIES!

Remember that it is important to keep the solo straps carabiner connected to the chicken loop until your harness is fully connected to the kite.

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Step 7 – You are now ready to disconnect from the Solo Strap carabiner

TAKE A SMALL STEP BACK TOWARDS YOUR ANCHOR POINT TO REDUCE TENSION ON THE STRAPS BUNGEE

Once the tension is out of the bungee you are ready to disconnect the carabiner from your chicken loop and launch your kite. That’s it! Now hit the water and get shredding. Have an awesome session. Oh and don’t forget you can take the strap with you as an extra safety tool on the water. Just clip it around your waist.

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To learn how self-land a kite using Solo Strap please click here or watch the video below.

And because we always take good care of our Sistas, Solo Strap is happy to give you 25% off your next order by using the discount code SISTA.

All you have to do is to visit Solo Strap, choose your product and have your discount code.

And don’t forget to follow Solo Strap on Instagram and Facebook.

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'Only One' Kite Solo Strap Camo



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